Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Featured in: Everyday Family Meals

These skewers feature tender chicken cubes soaked in a vibrant, spicy peanut marinade blending creamy peanut butter, lime juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. After marinating for an hour to absorb deep flavors, the chicken is grilled until perfectly charred and juicy. Finished with crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, these skewers offer a delightful balance of heat, tang, and texture, ideal for summer barbecues or light meals. Adjust spice levels easily with sriracha to suit your taste.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:04:00 GMT
Grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, charred and glistening, served with fresh cilantro. Save to Pinterest
Grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, charred and glistening, served with fresh cilantro. | recipesbies.com

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful, spicy peanut sauce and grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a delicious appetizer.

I first served this at a backyard barbecue and it was a huge hit with both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Skewers: 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes, 8 wooden or metal skewers
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime), 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste), 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp water
  • For Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using, to prevent burning.
Step 2:
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, and water until smooth.
Step 3:
Reserve 3 tablespoons of marinade for serving.
Step 4:
Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, toss well, and cover. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 5:
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Step 6:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Oil the grates lightly.
Step 7:
Grill skewers for 12 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 8:
Brush with reserved marinade during the last minute of grilling.
Step 9:
Remove from grill, garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Juicy Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, perfectly grilled and ready to be enjoyed with lime wedges. Save to Pinterest
Juicy Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, perfectly grilled and ready to be enjoyed with lime wedges. | recipesbies.com

This recipe has become a family favorite for gatherings and casual dinners, bringing everyone together around the grill.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes. Can be served with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread. Substitute almond butter for peanut butter if preferred. Pairs well with a light lager or Riesling.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board, grill or grill pan, skewers, tongs

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts and soy. Double check all ingredient labels to ensure allergen safety.

Close-up of vibrant Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers drizzled with extra marinade, a delicious appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of vibrant Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers drizzled with extra marinade, a delicious appetizer. | recipesbies.com

Serve these skewers fresh off the grill with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.

Answers to Recipe Questions

How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least one hour to allow the flavors of the spicy peanut sauce to fully penetrate the meat.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts cut into uniform cubes work best for even grilling and flavor absorption.

What is the best way to prevent skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to reduce the risk of burning.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the marinade, or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve these skewers alongside jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread to complement the bold flavors.

Can I substitute peanut butter for allergies?

Almond butter can be used as an alternative to peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.

Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers infused with a spicy peanut marinade and grilled with fresh cilantro and lime.

Prep duration
20 mins
Time to cook
15 mins
Overall time
35 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Southeast Asian

Serves 4 Serving size

Dietary Details No dairy used

What you need

Chicken Skewers

01 1.3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 8 wooden or metal skewers

Spicy Peanut Marinade

01 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
02 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
09 1 teaspoon ground coriander
10 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
03 Lime wedges

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 02

Make Marinade: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, and water in a bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 03

Reserve Marinade: Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade for serving.

Step 04

Marinate Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 05

Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly.

Step 06

Preheat Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.

Step 07

Grill Chicken: Place skewers on the grill; cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Step 08

Glaze Skewers: Brush reserved marinade over the skewers during the final minute of grilling.

Step 09

Garnish and Serve: Remove skewers from grill; sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers
  • Tongs

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains peanuts and soy.
  • May contain gluten due to soy sauce; substitute tamari for gluten-free option.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 385
  • Fat content: 21 g
  • Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein content: 37 g